Beijing Pictures

China's capital city, Beijing's famous sites blend the ancient with the modern. See some of Beijing's most scenic and fascinating features.

Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images

Beijing was in the international spotlight when it hosted the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Photos of Chinese Olympic champions are shown on a giant TV on the exterior wall of a commercial building near the National Stadium.

Photo by ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images

Two of the most famous buildings constructed before the 2008 Summer Olympics were the National Aquatics Center and the National Stadium. Here, these two landmarks are illuminated just before the lights are switched off for Earth Hour.

Photo by Guang Niu/Getty Images

The National Aquatic Center is known as the "Water Cube." It stands next to the National Stadium, also called the "Bird Nest."

Photo by China Photos/Getty Images

Guomao is Beijing's business district. Here, the sun shines on the district's third phase.

Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images

One of Beijing's most famous historical landmarks is the Forbidden City. The Gate of Heavenly Peace is the Entrance to the Forbidden City.

Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images

Tourists walk around the Pavilion of a Thousand Autumns in the Imperial Gardens.

Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images

A general view of the Forbidden City is seen after a snowfall. Parts of the Forbidden City have existed since 1406.

Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images

Snow blankets the ground near the Zhengyangmen Gate on Tiananmen Square. The gate leads into the Inner City.

Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images

An ancient wall surrounds the structures within the Forbidden City.

Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images

Emperor's Warehouse is located in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was home to China's emperor for hundreds of years.

Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images

Tiananmen Square was built in the 15th century, but it has become famous in modern times due to events surrounding student protests in 1989. Here, the Chinese national flag flies at half-mast at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square.

Photo by Wei Yao/ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images

The lights of a building are illuminated to form the shape of a Christmas tree.

Photo by Li Miyi/ChinaFotoPress

People walk in the illuminated Qianmen Street of Beijing. This street has existed for hundreds of years and is now under redevelopment.

Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images

The rods of Chinese fishing enthusiasts are seen on a river that has started to thaw. Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime in Beijing.

Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images

The lights are turned off at Beijing Yintai Centre for Earth Hour. This building is at the heart of Beijing's business district.